Search
Search results
Alexander Bradley (6 KP) rated Kenobi (Star Wars) in Books
May 2, 2019
Excellent characters (2 more)
Exploration of Tatooine
Engrossing down to earth Star Wars story.
An Obi-Wan tale!
So with the popularity of Star Wars now rising again, though the quality of its material getting rather questionable, I thought it might be a good time to visit a book that was released pre-disney and that's been on my to read shelf far longer then it should have been.
So, to no one's surprise after reading the title of this book, this is primarily focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi and his time on Tatooine after Palpatine has taken over the Senate and has begun forming the basics of the Empire that we know from Episode 4. It covers Luke occasionally, but this is first and foremost Ben's story. How he got his new name, how he adapted to life on Tatooine and the many mistakes even a Jedi Master can make in everyday situations.
What's really nice about this story is the characters you meet along the way. Grounded and diverse individuals that don't care about what's happening above them but instead how they are going to get to the end of the day and still have a farm, job or family intact. This is a refreshing take for the Star Wars universe, away from the galactic events that usually surround the story. We also get some interesting backstory on the Sand People, often presumed to be a Savage people not worth exploring, this book dives into there culture and reminds you that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
You'll often not know who your allegiance should be with, even on occasion disagreeing with how Kenobi should deal with different situations. This keeps the story interesting, while not vital to the Star Wars universe, (and probably not canon either,) it does help flesh out the time between episodes 3 & 4.
If you are a Star Wars fan however then I would say this is a must read. It explores one of Star Wars best characters and takes you down to a planet with a very dodgy reputation and shows you exactly why that is.
So, to no one's surprise after reading the title of this book, this is primarily focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi and his time on Tatooine after Palpatine has taken over the Senate and has begun forming the basics of the Empire that we know from Episode 4. It covers Luke occasionally, but this is first and foremost Ben's story. How he got his new name, how he adapted to life on Tatooine and the many mistakes even a Jedi Master can make in everyday situations.
What's really nice about this story is the characters you meet along the way. Grounded and diverse individuals that don't care about what's happening above them but instead how they are going to get to the end of the day and still have a farm, job or family intact. This is a refreshing take for the Star Wars universe, away from the galactic events that usually surround the story. We also get some interesting backstory on the Sand People, often presumed to be a Savage people not worth exploring, this book dives into there culture and reminds you that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
You'll often not know who your allegiance should be with, even on occasion disagreeing with how Kenobi should deal with different situations. This keeps the story interesting, while not vital to the Star Wars universe, (and probably not canon either,) it does help flesh out the time between episodes 3 & 4.
If you are a Star Wars fan however then I would say this is a must read. It explores one of Star Wars best characters and takes you down to a planet with a very dodgy reputation and shows you exactly why that is.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Traitor God in Books
Jun 19, 2019
Fantastic gritty dark magical fantasy
The Traitor God is a book set in a world which has seen its fair share of turmoil. The once powerful Escharric empire crumbled centuries ago and their achievements and discoveries are still sought after. Magic plays a large part in this world, with some people born with a Gift (an affinity for a certain strain of magic), able to work their way up through the ranks (assuming they survive their tests) and hope for a place in leadership of Setharis, the most civilised of the remaining cities.
The magic used here feels similar to that in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series, with some people able to increase their strength or size, manipulate fire, water or air, or in Edrin Walker's case - control people's minds.
Walker starts off the story in a far flung city on the run from magical bounty hunter beasts and savage invaders. There is a "bad thing" in his past that he has only a vague memory of (like anyone who has woken up fully clothed with a dreadful hangover), and though he knows he cannot return to Setharis, he finds himself compelled to.
The book follows Walker's investigation to identify his friend's killer, and he gradually reveals a plot to destroy the city. As his power would normally see him imprisoned as a tyrant, he has to keep his abilities under wraps as much as possible. I have seen a few fantasy tales recently try to have more of a mystery angle, almost being a crime novel in a fantasy setting. This is the first time I have seen it delivered so well that it manages to cover both genres without compromise.
The story and writing here are truly fantastic. It has been quite some time since I have been able to rattle through a book with an amazing narrative tone, excellent gritty dialogue and a thrilling story. You are never more than a few pages away from a major revelation or exciting conflict.
I have the follow-up book to read and will delve into that with relish very soon.
The magic used here feels similar to that in Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series, with some people able to increase their strength or size, manipulate fire, water or air, or in Edrin Walker's case - control people's minds.
Walker starts off the story in a far flung city on the run from magical bounty hunter beasts and savage invaders. There is a "bad thing" in his past that he has only a vague memory of (like anyone who has woken up fully clothed with a dreadful hangover), and though he knows he cannot return to Setharis, he finds himself compelled to.
The book follows Walker's investigation to identify his friend's killer, and he gradually reveals a plot to destroy the city. As his power would normally see him imprisoned as a tyrant, he has to keep his abilities under wraps as much as possible. I have seen a few fantasy tales recently try to have more of a mystery angle, almost being a crime novel in a fantasy setting. This is the first time I have seen it delivered so well that it manages to cover both genres without compromise.
The story and writing here are truly fantastic. It has been quite some time since I have been able to rattle through a book with an amazing narrative tone, excellent gritty dialogue and a thrilling story. You are never more than a few pages away from a major revelation or exciting conflict.
I have the follow-up book to read and will delve into that with relish very soon.
Two Hours: The Quest to Run the Impossible Marathon
Book
WINNER OF THE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARD FOR NEW WRITER OF THE YEAR 2016 Two Hours by Ed Caesar - the...
Year One: Chronicles of The One
8.2
Rate It
Book
A stunning new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts―Year One is an...
science fiction fantasy
Hunt Showdown
8.3
Rate It
Video Game Watch
Savage, nightmarish monsters roam the Louisiana swamps, and you are part of a group of rugged bounty...
A Sinner in Mecca: A Gay Muslim's Hajj of Defiance
Book
This is the Islam you've never been allowed to see. Daringly reported from its frontlines and...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fire Born (The Guardian Series Book 1) in Books
May 4, 2020
Alex Taleisin’s has finally been let in on the secret – she’s an Elemental Immortal plus a little something more and her life is in danger. Guardian of the Races and savage King of the Dragons, Collum Thronus made a promise to protect Alex and find her father’s people. A Battle is coming and Alex knows the only way to get answers is to trust her powers and become the warrior she was destined to be.
The first book in this exhilarating new paranormal romance series has a hero and heroine that are beings of fire, so readers should expect to be burned as the chemistry that flows between is volcanic and the sparks start flying in every direction upon first meeting. Alex and Collum’s attraction is one thing but the relationship has emotions raging out of control as well due to the situation these strong, vibrant characters find themselves in, especially Alex is not really allowed the time it takes to digest her all new reality.
The plot is fast pace and full of exciting events and is extremely suspenseful, keeping readers from being able to put the book down at any time. This story is also a bit complex as it is at the whim of a man who is a little bit insane and the mercy of all his manipulations. This keeps the story on a twisted path of secrets, betrayals and downright hide and seek games. There is no way for readers to become bored during this explosive, thrilling and entertaining story with one sexy dragon shifter guardian and flammable heroine.
I went between 3&4 stars for this it showed massive potential and I enjoyed most of the book! I really like the storyline and the fact she’s not a wingy female lead, I actually liked her a lot! I think we need to see more of this power she is supposed to have! The bit I struggled with was the scenes between Alex and Collum I think they were rushed and a little cheesy but overall it was a good read!
The first book in this exhilarating new paranormal romance series has a hero and heroine that are beings of fire, so readers should expect to be burned as the chemistry that flows between is volcanic and the sparks start flying in every direction upon first meeting. Alex and Collum’s attraction is one thing but the relationship has emotions raging out of control as well due to the situation these strong, vibrant characters find themselves in, especially Alex is not really allowed the time it takes to digest her all new reality.
The plot is fast pace and full of exciting events and is extremely suspenseful, keeping readers from being able to put the book down at any time. This story is also a bit complex as it is at the whim of a man who is a little bit insane and the mercy of all his manipulations. This keeps the story on a twisted path of secrets, betrayals and downright hide and seek games. There is no way for readers to become bored during this explosive, thrilling and entertaining story with one sexy dragon shifter guardian and flammable heroine.
I went between 3&4 stars for this it showed massive potential and I enjoyed most of the book! I really like the storyline and the fact she’s not a wingy female lead, I actually liked her a lot! I think we need to see more of this power she is supposed to have! The bit I struggled with was the scenes between Alex and Collum I think they were rushed and a little cheesy but overall it was a good read!
Sim 299 (I Am Sleepless #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The planet Ethos is at war with a savage enemy known as the Splicers. Their only successful defense...
Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Mystery
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Savage Beasts in Books
Jul 4, 2023
Savage Beasts is a re-imagining of the story of Medea. This time, Meena (not Medea) betrays her father, the Nawab of Bengal, and runs away with an adventurer called James Chilcott. But Meena’s initial feelings of adventure and excitement soon wear off when she realises that the man she took to be an adventurer, was just an opportunist who spends her money and betrays her in turn.
I thought it was really clever how the Greek myth was woven into Meena’s story, and showed the impact of colonialism. Great Britain doesn’t come out of this well. James’ uncle, Sir Peter Chilcott, is a powerful man in the East India Company. He’s cold, unforgiving, and sees Meena, Indians, Bengali’s, and anyone from anywhere foreign, as below him and little better than an animal.
It made for really uncomfortable reading, and made me so angry!
Meena comes across as being so young but desperate to be older. She’s determined to make a good life for herself and her child - despite how difficult James and his reprehensible family make it for her.
Honestly, by the end I firmly believed they deserved whatever was coming their way!
I listened to this on audiobook, kindly sent to me via NetGalley by HarperCollins UK Audio. The narrator, Shazia Nicholls, really was outstanding. It always amazes me how a good narrator can make all the characters sound so different - especially in this case, the men. Sir Peter came across as a sneering, superior, calculating monster, and in contrast, Meena was both young and wise - and it felt as though she was really there, speaking for herself. Shazia read with such emotion that it became entirely believable. This could well have been an historical memoir as much as a piece of fiction.
Yes, this is described as a Greek retelling, but it has been made into something all of its own. If you know the story of Medea, then you’ll see where in particular it is borrowing from that story - but this is a great story in its own right. It’s powerful, feminist and it’s about colonialism. It’s a story about family, trust and the devastation of betrayal.
Highly recommended!
I thought it was really clever how the Greek myth was woven into Meena’s story, and showed the impact of colonialism. Great Britain doesn’t come out of this well. James’ uncle, Sir Peter Chilcott, is a powerful man in the East India Company. He’s cold, unforgiving, and sees Meena, Indians, Bengali’s, and anyone from anywhere foreign, as below him and little better than an animal.
It made for really uncomfortable reading, and made me so angry!
Meena comes across as being so young but desperate to be older. She’s determined to make a good life for herself and her child - despite how difficult James and his reprehensible family make it for her.
Honestly, by the end I firmly believed they deserved whatever was coming their way!
I listened to this on audiobook, kindly sent to me via NetGalley by HarperCollins UK Audio. The narrator, Shazia Nicholls, really was outstanding. It always amazes me how a good narrator can make all the characters sound so different - especially in this case, the men. Sir Peter came across as a sneering, superior, calculating monster, and in contrast, Meena was both young and wise - and it felt as though she was really there, speaking for herself. Shazia read with such emotion that it became entirely believable. This could well have been an historical memoir as much as a piece of fiction.
Yes, this is described as a Greek retelling, but it has been made into something all of its own. If you know the story of Medea, then you’ll see where in particular it is borrowing from that story - but this is a great story in its own right. It’s powerful, feminist and it’s about colonialism. It’s a story about family, trust and the devastation of betrayal.
Highly recommended!
Chimera's Prisoner (Prime Omegaverse #6)
8.0
Rate It
Book
She hid her omega status for years. Now she's been claimed by the one predator who owns the skies. ...
Dark Dub-Con Science Fiction Erotica